The parent company of KATO, Sekisui Kinzoku Co Ltd., was established in 1957 and located in Tokyo, Japan. In 1986 KATO USA was established with its first U.S. locomotive model (the GP38-2, in N-Scale) released in 1987. Since that time, KATO has come to be known as one of the leading manufacturers of precision model railway products.

Kato produce a high quality array of European locomotives and rolling stock commissioned by Lemke in Germany. With models including German, Swiss and Dutch outline in HO and N Scale. Highlights include a TGV Thalys &, ACTS Class 66 Diesel locomotive in N Scale. Kato also produce a collection of traditional European models in HO Scale which are universally hailed for their high level of detail, craftsmanship and operation. Kato USA have produced a large range of N Scale and HO North American Outline models. All new models from Kato have been produced with Flywheel drive and are ready for DCC.

In addition to producing ready-to-run HO and N scale models, KATO also manufactures UNITRACK. UNITRACK is the finest rail and roadbed modular track system available to modellers today. With the track and roadbed integrated into a single piece, UNITRACK features a nickel-silver rail and a realistic-looking roadbed. Patented UNIJOINERS allow sections to be snapped together quickly and securely, time after time if necessary, allowing modification of the layout with ease.

In addition to the European and USA ranges, Kato also produce a large selection of Japanese models in HO and N Scale offering steam locomotives and modern electric locomotives including the legendary Japanese Bullet trains. Included in the Japanese range is the Kato "Dio Town". Dio Town was designed for use with the UNITRACK systems and uses a common 248mm length the same as key UNITRACK items which can be placed alongside the track to form a complete town including buildings, figures and cars.

CLICK HERE to view an article on how to fit the Glacier Express Close Coupling set.

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